iCIRRUS

aims to examine the advantages and challenges of bringing an Ethernet-based optical fibre fronthaul to fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks

iCIRRUS

iCIRRUS (intelligent Converged network consolidating Radio and optical access aRound USer equipment) is an EU Horizon 2020 project. The central aim of the project is to examine the advantages and challenges of bringing an Ethernet-based optical fibre fronthaul to fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks, considering the benefits of such an architecture and its effects on performance on key 5G service aims such as device-to-device (D2D) communications and mobile cloud networking.

In order to meet the goals of high spectral and energy efficiency demanded in future mobile/wireless networks, iCIRRUS proposes the combination of two key concepts: increased use of device-to-device (D2D) communications and the use of a centralised- or cloud- Radio Access Network (C-RAN). These are integrated with a mobile cloud which can further contribute to the increased spectral and energy efficiency, and enhanced overall performance, through intelligent monitoring.

End-users will benefit from iCIRRUS by increased device battery lifetimes, improved quality of experience through high-bandwidth, low-latency services, and with added resilience by utilising the mobile cloud.